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Accessibility

NatureMap is a sophisticated scientific application providing online mapping, query and download of biodiversity data through a web browser. While we target a wide range of users we assume that most will have some interest in scientific data, and at least some expertise in querying and interpretation of biodiversity data.
While we’ve tried to make it as simple and intuitive to use as possible, NatureMap nevertheless uses many screen controls, requires user interactivity with both keyboard and mouse input and utilises third party software to produce the maps. Embedding such capabilities in a web browser is a challenge when you try to support the variety of browsers and versions within the market and try to comply with accessibility standards. Despite this, we have worked hard to improve compliance. Relevant standards include:
  • Western Australian Web Governance Framework (WGF)

    While we have incorporated most elements of the WGF into NatureMap, those standards are primarily targeted at brochure-style (i.e. text and image) web sites rather than web applications that routinely have to manage complex screen real-estate containing “black-box” controls, or maintain session state. (In NatureMap, all links to external sites open in a new browser tab or window so that session state can be maintained.)
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0

    NatureMap is partly compliant with AA-level rating, and is working towards full compliance.
Feedback on accessibility

NatureMap is a work in progress - your feedback and suggestions for improvements are welcome.
Browser support

Priority has been given to enabling functionality in today’s most popular browsers. These include:
  • Internet Explorer 7 and above for PCs
  • FireFox 3.5 and above for both PCs and Macs
  • Safari 4.0 and above for both PCs and Macs
  • Google Chrome for both PCs and Macs
NatureMap may also work in other browsers, versions and operating systems but only the ones listed above have been tested.
Font scaling

Implementing font scaling is major challenge for a browser-based mapping application. Even one of the world’s most popular applications, maps.google.com, doesn’t implement it well, or at all. Try it in Internet Explorer – no font scaling.

There are two options available in most browsers for increasing font size. All the above browsers support screen-scaling, where the whole screen increases in size but you must scroll in both directions to see all content. NatureMap works well with screen scaling. Alternatively, you can increase font (or text) size only, which keeps the screen at the same size, but individual elements must flow correctly. This is much more challenging.

In all browsers, you use the key combinations Ctrl + or Ctrl - (i.e. hold the Ctrl button down and press either the plus or minus key next to the backspace key) to change the size of the screen or fonts. However each browser operates slightly differently.

In Internet Explorer, Ctrl +/- implements screen scaling. To change font sizes, select View | Text Size and choose a font size.

In Safari or Firefox, Ctrl +/- can scale fonts or screen depending on the setting under the main menu option View | Zoom | Zoom Text Only for Firefox and Zoom | Zoom Text Only for Safari.

While NatureMap supports text-only scaling there are limits to which the browser can still effectively display the various mapping elements.
Printing a Webpage

All pages on this website can be printed, using the 'Print' button that is located on the upper right area of each page.
JavaScript

JavaScript is an essential element in NatureMap’s operation and must be enabled.
Pop-ups

NatureMap uses pop-ups in a number of situations to enable the display of results and information without losing context. You will need to allow pop-ups for the domain wa.gov.au.
Cookies

Temporary cookies are required by NatureMap for session management. They do not capture any private information and are deleted when the browser closes.
Plug-ins

PDF Documents – You will need PDF Reader to display reports produced in PDF format.


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